THE talks are ongoing between the Federal Government and the UK regarding Air Peace’s direct flight from Lagos to London.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, visited London to discuss with UK officials in the transport department on Friday. The purpose of the meeting was to address the challenges facing direct flights from Lagos to London.
The discussions included the partnership between NORSE Atlantic Airways and Nigeria’s domestic carrier, Air Peace Airline. NORSE Atlantic Airways holds a significant position as a carrier in the UK and Europe, and the talks focused on their partnership with Air Peace Airline.
The Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace Airline, Oluwatoyin Olajide, expressed hope that the outcome of the meeting would enable Air Peace Airline to commence its flight operations into the United Kingdom.
Keyamo emphasized his commitment to supporting Nigeria’s domestic airlines to grow and improve under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
NORSE Atlantic Airways expressed readiness to begin the partnership with Air Peace Airline once the final authorization is granted for the commencement of direct flights into Gatwick Airport in London from Lagos, Nigeria
Although Air Peace has been granted permission to fly into the UK, it has encountered challenges in securing time slots at Gatwick Airport in London.
The Department for Transport clarified during the meeting that the UK government has no authority over the allocation of slots at the primary airports in the UK. However, they agreed to convey the concerns of the Federal Government of Nigeria regarding the issues presented on behalf of Air Peace Airline.
These issues include the staggering departure time, restrictive turnaround time, and approval for the 2024 summer schedule.
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